Marathon Mensch

Marathon Mensch is the 8th episode of Season One of the show The Critic. It is the 8th overall episode of this show.

Official DVD Summary
"When an accidental fire breaks out in the studio during his TV show, Jay's whole audience watches as he panics and runs screaming from the set. Jay struggles to reestablish his manhood."

Plot
While Jay recaps an interview that he recently had with an elderly actor, Coming Attractions' set catches on fire, due to ultra-flammable nitrate film stock getting ignited when it was soaked with kerosene. Jay passes out, only for Doris to arrive and drag him outside. Doris is regarded as a hero, while Jay is mercessly mocked for being rescued by a woman.

To remedy this, Jay decides to act more macho. He first attempts to bungee jump into the river, only to bounce back and forth into the river. He then tries joining a Native American retreat, and later tries becoming a superhero, which unsurpisingly fails. Jay then notices a sign for the New York marathon and decides to train for it.

Soon, the day of the marathon apporaches. When it starts, Jay starts off by leading the race, only to slow down and end up in last place. Later, the marathon ends, but Jay still has yet to reach the finish line. Jay soon runs through the seedy parts of the city, imagining them as more beautiful and classy areas. Jay eventually reaches the finish line, only to cramp up moments later. Marty later tells Jay that he's proud of his father's toughness.

Characters

 * Doris Grossman
 * Jay Sherman